Early B,
The way I use the MS-1 at this time, which will be true for the MS-2, is to place the MS-1 next to my listening position to use a 24" LED monitor to control playback via wireless keyboard and track pad. a 15' USB cable goes from the MS-1 to a M2Tech Evo via I2S Bus to my DIY DAC. The 1TB drive is with the MS-1 beside my location.
To make is easier I have also used a PC Netbook running Windows 7 and IE9 to remotely run the MS-1 and have random access to the music library. This remote capability comes setup on Foobar2000 and just needs the MS-1 IP address to talk to the network. It comes up as a webpage on the PC for remote control.
There is also an app for Android that allows remote control via an Android phone via playlists. This is not random file selection. Works if you like playlists.
Foobar2000 does support Apple products as remotes, but I have no way to verify the operation, so I do not install it.
I run Squeezebox Media Server on the MS-1 downstairs to remotely access the same music folder on my Touch in the upstairs system via my WiFi network.
The simplest setup is a MS-1/MS-2 with monitor, keyboard and mouse. A USB DAC connected to the MS-1/MS-2 and to your preamp and system.